House Bill H.R. 476, deceptively named “GI Bill Education Quality Enhancement Act of 2015” is proposed legislation that will place an unreasonable cap on ALL flight training benefits covered by the Veterans Administration.

Currently, thousands of U.S. Military Veterans are using the GI Bill benefits they’ve earned to pursue careers in aviation as airplane and helicopter pilots.

Proposed VA Limits Place Devastating Cap on Veterans’ Benefits

Proposed legislation in front of Congress would place a devastating cap on Veteran’s yearly benefits, not only asphyxiating flight training for our U.S. Military Veterans, but also having a destructive impact on the future of the aviation industry as a whole.

Bill Would Affect the Entire Aviation Industry

Aircraft manufacturers and the entire industry will be negatively affected.

H.R. 476 was proposed in reaction to the rising costs of flight training for Veterans using their VA benefits. However, instead of proposing reasonable flight training limitations within which Veterans can continue to become career pilots, this Bill offers ridiculously low caps on ALL aviation training; eliminating the possibility for any Veteran to achieve this goal. These caps won’t even cover fuel costs! Moreover, the Bill is basically telling our Veterans they can use their GI Bill benefits for any degree program they want, just NOT FLIGHT TRAINING.

Why Is the Bill Targeting Aviation?

This is clearly discriminatory. Why not cap all educational programs for Veterans? How much does it cost to become an engineer, veterinarian, or doctor?

STOP H.R. 476 Effort Launched – READ-SIGN-SHARE

Recently, an online effort was launched to Stop H.R. 476 via the website “Petition 2 Congress”. As of March 23, 2015, the petition to Stop H.R. 476 generated over 3,500 letters to Congress and the White House. If you visit “Stop H.R. 476” petition page, you can read thousands comments from petitioners.

Congressional Mark-Up Session

The Bill goes to “mark-up” on April 16, 2015. That means congressional leaders will be finalizing the Bill to go to vote. Before that happens, our industry needs to educate the Bill’s sponsors as well our own State Representatives and industry leaders.

HERE ARE FOUR THINGS TO DO NOW:

If you have a website, here is code to add a STOP HR 476 sign-up widget
to your website:<iframe frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no” height=”360px”
src=”http://www.petition2congress.com/17588/protect-veteran-educational-benefits-stop-hr-476/wt/?src=widget” width=”220px”></iframe>

“This bill is misguided. Flight training allowances should be appropriately managed by the VA and indexed to well-known aviation industry standards, NOT arbitrarily capped at some inadequate level as this bill seeks to do. Stop HR 476!”

###

“flying is my dream, I served in the army because I was told that I would be able to use the GI BILL for flight training, please don’t take that away from me. I don’t not want this Bill to be passed.”

###

“American Veterans made a commitment to America. America made a commitment to our Veterans. The VA committed funding to current Veterans enrolled in degree granting programs, Professional Pilot. It is patently unfair to these Veterans to pull the rug out from under them in midstream to a program they have every right to expect the VA and Congress to honor it’s obligation to them.”

###

“A deals a deal; I held my end of it by putting my life on the line in Afghanistan along with my fellow Marines. It is outrageous that Congress would even think about cutting the benefits that so many Veterans have earned.”
###

House Bill H.R. 476 Discriminates Against Veterans

Bill H.R. 476 discriminates against Veterans wishing to use their benefits to become professional pilots.

Don’t be fooled by its name, House Bill H.R. 476 titled: “GI Bill Education Quality Enhancement Act of 2015″ will eliminate the opportunity for Veterans to become professional pilots after serving their Country and earning their Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits.

If passed, H.R. 476 “Prohibits VA from including flight training fees in the in-state tuition and fees at public institutions of higher education (IHEs) that are covered by post-9/11 veterans’ educational assistance.”

This bill places an immediate CAP on the ANNUAL, TOTAL tuition & fees covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill by including PUBLIC as well as private colleges in the annual CAP!

These effects are immediate and will apply to ALL current and FUTURE Veterans who wish to use their earned benefits to become professional pilots. Moreover, Veterans currently enrolled in Flight Training will lose their funding.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (02/12/15) – Aviation Institute of Maintenance’s (AIM) Indianapolis campus is the proud recipient of the prestigious 2014 Diamond Award of Excellence from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Maintenance Technician Awards Program. This marks 11th consecutive year that AIM Indianapolis has received this award.

The program began as a way for the FAA to encourage Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) and employers to participate aggressively in available initial and recurrent maintenance training. Through the AMT Awards Program, the FAA recognizes eligible Technicians and employers by issuing awards to those who receive or promote and foster initial and recurrent training.

“I am very proud of the education department for their dedication to ongoing training that they have to do for us to continue to earn this award,” says Andy Duncan, Campus Executive Director.

In order to achieve the Diamond Award of Excellence, 100% of the campus’s Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics instructors must receive an individual Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Award in the FAA AMT Awards Program. To receive an individual AMT Award, a Technician must complete a minimum of 12 hours of training during the year, including a two hour course conducted through the FAA website. The instructors are also required to log their training on the FAA website and claim their individual award within a specified time frame. The Diamond Award is the highest award granted by the FAA for aviation maintenance technicians and their employers.

About Aviation Institute of Maintenance

AIM –Indianapolis campus is part of the nation’s largest family of aviation maintenance schools, with headquarters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Students learn the skills necessary to become successful in one of the world’s fastest growing industries, aviation maintenance. AIM graduates are there to meet the increasing global demands of commercial, cargo, corporate and private aviation employers. AIM’s other campuses are located in Duluth, Georgia; Chesapeake, Virginia; Irving, Texas; Houston, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Las Vegas, Nevada; Manassas, Virginia; Oakland, California; Casselberry, Florida and Pennsylvania. Learn more at: www.aviationmaintenance.edu. Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AIMIndianapolis.

To enter the daily photo sweepstakes, post a picture from HELI-EXPO 2015 to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #HeliYeah no later than 4:00pm eastern time on March 3rd, 4th, or 5th. Participants must be at the Guidance Aviation Booth #2049 at 4:30pm to win.

“We are completely thrilled at the generosity of Guidance Aviation’s sponsorship of a new instrument rating scholarship. The scholarship is consistent with CEO John Stonecipher’s commitment to the Whirly-Girl members and the professional development of female helicopter pilots worldwide. His generosity opens the door for more of our members to realize their potential and increases the visibility of our organization,” said Colleen Chen, Vice President of Scholarships for the Whirly-Girls. “The addition of Guidance Aviation to our list of amazing scholarship sponsors is a welcome addition to our program. The instrument rating will both expand and enhance our program tremendously, thus allowing our organization to provide more scholarships than ever before.”

“We strongly support the Whirly-Girls organization and believe that one of the most important missions to pursue is getting more women into helicopter aviation. That is why, in addition to our Level 1 sponsorship of the Whirly-Girls over the next three years, we are please to provide the Guidance Aviation Instrument Rating Scholarship. I can’t think of a better way to get more ladies flying. We need them in the industry,” states John Stonecipher, CEO, Guidance Aviation.

Guidance Aviation is an FAA approved Part 141 helicopter flight training institution with flight operations in Prescott, Arizona and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Through their collegiate partner programs, graduates earn both their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, Aviation Technology – Helicopters, and the necessary FAA certificates and ratings (CFI-I) to become working, professional helicopter pilots. Guidance Aviation is a military friendly organization. The majority of its employees and students are U.S. Military Veterans.

For Immediate Release

Regulations will facilitate integration of small UAS into U.S. aviation system

WASHINGTON – The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration today proposed a framework of regulations that would allow routine use of certain small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in today’s aviation system, while maintaining flexibility to accommodate future technological innovations.

The FAA proposal offers safety rules for small UAS (under 55 pounds) conducting non-recreational operations. The rule would limit flights to daylight and visual-line-of-sight operations. It also addresses height restrictions, operator certification, optional use of a visual observer, aircraft registration and marking, and operational limits.

The proposed rule also includes extensive discussion of the possibility of an additional, more flexible framework for “micro” UAS under 4.4 pounds. The FAA is asking the public to comment on this possible classification to determine whether it should include this option as part of a final rule. The FAA is also asking for comment about how the agency can further leverage the UAS test site program and an upcoming UAS Center of Excellence to further spur innovation at “innovation zones.”

The public will be able to comment on the proposed regulation for 60 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register, which can be found atwww.regulations.gov. Separate from this proposal, the FAA intends to hold public meetings to discuss innovation and opportunities at the test sites and Center of Excellence. These meetings will be announced in a future Federal Register notice.

“Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace and this milestone allows federal regulations and the use of our national airspace to evolve to safely accommodate innovation,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

The proposed rule would require an operator to maintain visual line of sight of a small UAS. The rule would allow, but not require, an operator to work with a visual observer who would maintain constant visual contact with the aircraft. The operator would still need to be able to see the UAS with unaided vision (except for glasses). The FAA is asking for comments on whether the rules should permit operations beyond line of sight, and if so, what the appropriate limits should be.

“We have tried to be flexible in writing these rules,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “We want to maintain today’s outstanding level of aviation safety without placing an undue regulatory burden on an emerging industry.”

Under the proposed rule, the person actually flying a small UAS would be an “operator.” An operator would have to be at least 17 years old, pass an aeronautical knowledge test and obtain an FAA UAS operator certificate. To maintain certification, the operator would have to pass the FAA knowledge tests every 24 months. A small UAS operator would not need any further private pilot certifications (i.e., a private pilot license or medical rating).

The new rule also proposes operating limitations designed to minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the ground:

A small UAS operator must always see and avoid manned aircraft. If there is a risk of collision, the UAS operator must be the first to maneuver away.

The operator must discontinue the flight when continuing would pose a hazard to other aircraft, people or property.

A small UAS operator must assess weather conditions, airspace restrictions and the location of people to lessen risks if he or she loses control of the UAS.

A small UAS may not fly over people, except those directly involved with the flight.

Flights should be limited to 500 feet altitude and no faster than 100 mph.

Operators must stay out of airport flight paths and restricted airspace areas, and obey any FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).

The proposed rule maintains the existing prohibition against operating in a careless or reckless manner. It also would bar an operator from allowing any object to be dropped from the UAS.

Operators would be responsible for ensuring an aircraft is safe before flying, but the FAA is not proposing that small UAS comply with current agency airworthiness standards or aircraft certification. For example, an operator would have to perform a preflight inspection that includes checking the communications link between the control station and the UAS. Small UAS with FAA-certificated components also could be subject to agency airworthiness directives.

The new rules would not apply to model aircraft. However, model aircraft operators must continue to satisfy all of the criteria specified in Sec. 336 of Public Law 112-95, including the stipulation that they be operated only for hobby or recreational purposes. Generally speaking, the new rules would not apply to government aircraft operations, because we expect that these government operations will typically continue to actively operate under the Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) process unless the operator opts to comply with and fly under the new small UAS regulations.

In addition to this proposal, earlier today, the White House issued a Presidential Memorandum concerning transparency, accountability, and privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protections for the Federal Government’s use of UAS in the national airspace system which directs the initiation of a multi-stakeholder engagement process to develop a framework for privacy, accountability, and transparency issues concerning commercial and private UAS use.

The current unmanned aircraft rules remain in place until the FAA implements a final new rule. The FAA encourages new operators to visit:http://www.knowbeforeyoufly.org

Our company provides three scholarships per year of $2,000 usd for qualified applicants. The award will be used for flight training, ground instruction, and one month of housing costs if needed.

The three scholarships consist of the following categories:

Private Pilot

This award is for a individual having no flight time and/or aviation training. Determination of qualified applicants will be based upon the following:

o Be enrolled, or plan to be enrolled, for full-time study in an accredited school (community college, four year college, university, technical, etc.). A GPA of 3.0 or higher, and minimum age of 16 years old is required to apply.

o Have demonstrated or expressed a genuine interest in a career in aviation. Provide examples of membership in aviation clubs, activities, or involvement in professional aviation organizations.

Instrument Pilot

o Be enrolled, or plan to be enrolled, for full-time study in an accredited school (community college, four year college, university, technical, etc.). A GPA of 3.0 or higher, and minimum age of 16 years old is required to apply.

o Have completed the Private Pilot Rating.

o Provide letters of recommendation from Flight Schools, Certified Flight Instructors that have provided instruction leading to the Private Pilot Rating

o Provide copies of flight log books showing flight experience.

Professional Pilot

o Be enrolled, or plan to be enrolled, for full-time study in an accredited school (community college, four year college, university, technical, etc.). A GPA of 3.0 or higher, and minimum age of 16 years old is required to apply.

o Provide letters of recommendation from Flight Schools, and Certified Flight Instructors that have provided instruction leading to the Private Pilot and/or Instrument Rating.

o Provide copies of flight log books showing flight experience.

How to Apply

We offer a total of three scholarships per year, one scholarship for each category of training. Since the training dates for each of these categories will vary depending upon the schedule of the applicants selected, we will accept applications at any time during the year.

Selection Criteria

Selection will be based on the applicant’s Scholarship Entry Form and Essay: Interest in becoming a professional pilot and/or pursuing a career in aviation; extra-curricular activities; recommendations of teachers, flight instructors, and/or other references provided by the applicant; and academic record. The top five (5) candidates may be called for a personal interview via Skype or Facetime when the next scholarship comes available.

Application Process

1. Prepare a 500 word essay regarding your desire to pursue a career in aviation, and the steps that you have taken to reach this goal.

2. Provide certified copies of all high school, technical, trade, vocational, and/or colleges attended. Be sure that all grades are reflected along with the GPA (Grade Point Average).

Please advise which scholarship your application is for as well as your contact information.

Notices

The award of this scholarship does not cover the costs of obtaining TSA approval and/or obtaining a student visa if you are a not a citizen of the United States. These expenses must be paid before the scholarship can be used.

Successful applicants have three months (3) to use the scholarship from the date of the award. If the scholarship is not used within the three months after it is awarded the scholarship shall be forfeited and given to the next successful applicant.

Privacy Policy

All information collected from applicants will be retained for one year, and will ONLY be used to determine eligibility for scholarships. No information will be released and/or shared with any other entities. Any student information can only be shared if students give their permission and for the purpose of awarding scholarships. No students will be automatically enrolled to receive extraneous emails and/or solicitations of any sort. Students will only receive further communication regarding their individual application, and no information will be shared for email distribution lists.

A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER.

Established in 1989 to provide the Pacific Northwest with aviation services, Leading Edge Aviation (LEA) has grown to become one of the world’s premier professional pilot training centers. Since our Flight Training program launched in 2006 we have consistently certified highly qualified pilots to enjoy exciting, rewarding, and successful careers in flight.

WHERE WILL FLYING TAKE YOU?

Some of the thrilling career options available to Leading Edge graduates:

Leading Edge Aviation also offers Airplane training under the COCC Aviation Program. Additional information can be found here.

AAS Degrees from COCC and SLCC can be transferred to a number of universities toward a Bachelor of Science Degree.

PAYING FOR FLIGHT SCHOOL

Flight Training costs range from $50,000 to $80,000. Leading Edge recommends all students interested in flight school consider the option of one of our collegiate partners. While attending a college program, students are earning an Associate’s Degree while completing flight certifications. Students attending a college program may be eligible for financial aid and student loans.

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. They also may perform aircraft inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work in hangars, in repair stations, or on airfields. They must often meet strict deadlines to maintain flight schedules. The environment can be loud because of aircraft engines and equipment. Workers frequently bend, stoop, and reach from ladders and scaffolds. Most mechanics and technicians work full time; overtime and weekend work is common.

Most aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians learn their trade at an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School. Others enter with a high school education or equivalent and are trained on the job. Some workers enter the occupation after receiving training in the military. Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians are typically certified by the FAA.

Employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to show little or no change from 2012 to 2022. Job prospects will be best for mechanics who hold an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate.

A Intro Flight at Alpine Aviation Academy really is your first flying lesson. This deal allows the purchaser a chance to literally discover firsthand what flying an aircraft is all about and puts you in the air with a FAA-Certified Flight Instructor for a REAL FLYING LESSON! You’ll actually sit in the pilot’s seat and learn to fly. You’ll have your hands on the controls and experience what flying a helicopter or airplane is all about and more importantly, you’ll get to discover that flying is easier to learn than most people could imagine. This is also an opportunity for you to sit down with an actual pilot that has gone through the flight training process and answer any questions that you might have.

A Intro Flight makes the perfect gift for someone you wish to INSPIRE with that special one of a kind gift. The person that uses this certificate actually flies a REAL aircraft in the Pilot seat!!

Contact us today to schedule your Intro Flight in the helicopter, airplane, or both! Other than enjoying the rush and excitement an intro flight brings, making sure we can help answer all your questions is just as important! So please bring all your questions! Call for pricing as they may vary depending on specials and circumstances.